Description
These Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Thighs are a perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken with a spicy-sweet glaze. The chicken is seasoned with a flavorful spice mix and cooked to tender perfection in the air fryer. Brushed with a luscious hot honey glaze, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the skin gets crispy when cooked. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the chicken and rub it to coat all sides.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs for balanced flavor.
- Preheat and cook in air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the basket halfway through cooking (without flipping the chicken) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, aiming for 175°F to 185°F for maximum tenderness.
- Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken cooks, mix together the honey, melted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and pinch of salt in a small bowl until well combined.
- Glaze the chicken: Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the cooked chicken thighs. Return the chicken to the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the glaze to set and become tacky. Note that not all glaze will be used at this step.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to retain its juices. Serve it with the remaining glaze on the side as a delicious dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken thighs are patted very dry for the crispiest skin.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the spice level.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
- Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for moistness.
- Do not flip the chicken in the air fryer; rotate the basket instead for even cooking.
